Vanderhoof’s local RCMP detachment lodged 64 files, which included six prisoners, in the past week.
You’ve got mail: CRA scam by email
Reaching for the keyboard instead of the phone, fraudsters posing as Canadian Revenue Agency staff this season are reaching for potential victims by email, as well as phone.
Typically involving a man introducing himself as a representative of the CRA, he would express — at times in a forceful manner — that an individual owes a certain tax amount to the government, and asks for money to be sent through credit card, e-transfer, or wire.
Vanderhoof’s RCMP advises that in cases where money is truly owed, the CRA would either communicate by official mail or pay a visit to the individual at his or her residence.
In-person visits also usually involve RCMP officers to help insure peace.
The CRA would also never involve a third party for money transfers; payments are directed to the agency itself.
When receiving questionable email, the police also advises people to check the sender’s email address to ensure legitimacy. If sent from a known contact, recipients can verify as well by checking with the alleged sender.
Scam calls, when received, are best to be hung up on. If their phone numbers are indicated through caller ID, they can be reported onto phonebusters.com — the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre — when active scam telephone numbers are listed.
Community groups that would like to schedule an information session can contact Vanderhoof’s detachment for more details.
Early morning roll-over
On June 11 at 5:40 a.m., a small SUV travelling on Nechako Avenue by Redekop Road flipped onto the opposite lane, impeding traffic.
The vehicle’s two occupants were taken to the hospital.
As investigation continues, alcohol is suspected to be involved.
- with files from Sgt. Svend Nielsen, Vanderhoof RCMP
